“South Portland attack plot teen on house arrest” : South Portland Teen Accused of Plotting School Attack to be Released on House Arrest

Accident – Death – Obituary News : South Portland Teen Accused of Planning School Attack to be Released on House Arrest

A South Portland teenager who has been accused of plotting a school attack will be released on house arrest, according to recent reports. The 17-year-old, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, is facing charges of terrorizing, criminal solicitation, and arson, as stated by the local police.

Judge Peter Darvin has ordered the release of the teenager from the Long Creek Youth Development Center, which is the state’s last remaining youth prison located in South Portland. The release is scheduled to take place by 3 p.m. on Friday, as reported by the Portland Press Herald.

As part of the conditions of his release, the 17-year-old will be required to report to a corrections officer on a daily basis, the Press Herald added.

The teenager was initially arrested in April when a SWAT team, equipped with tactical gear and rifles, conducted a raid on his residence in a quiet South Portland neighborhood. The arrest came after a school resource officer reported that the teenager had made threats to cause “serious harm” to individuals and had access to firearms.

South Portland High School was identified as a potential target in the alleged plot. South Portland Police Chief Dan Ahern stated at the time that the raid had successfully averted a potential attack.

Prosecutors had recommended that the teenager be held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center until the conclusion of his case. However, a judge in October denied this request, stating that the teenager had demonstrated his ability to comply with extremely strict conditions and that the state’s request was influenced by community pressure.

The teenager was arrested once again last Thursday for violating his conditions of release. He had been in custody until Judge Peter Darvin’s recent order for his release.

The next court appearance for the teenager is scheduled for December 18. Prosecutors are expected to seek the transfer of his case to adult court during another hearing in January, as reported by the Press Herald.

This development has sparked public concern and further debate about the appropriate handling of juvenile offenders and the potential repercussions of releasing them on house arrest. The South Portland community remains on high alert, with heightened security measures in place at South Portland High School.

As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the safety and well-being of students and the wider community. The court system will continue to evaluate the evidence and make decisions based on the best interests of justice and public safety.

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